Increasing Your Milk Supply

Before you try any of these tips you want to make sure that your supply is indeed low. If you are breastfeeding and your baby is gaining .5-1 oz a day, having 5+ wet diapers and at least 3 soiled diapers a day, then your milk supply is not low- your baby is getting enough. If you are exclusively pumping, as long as you are getting 24oz a day, your supply is fine. However, if your supply is truly low, these tips may help.

(1) Use heat. Wet a cloth diaper with hot/warm water and apply it to your breast right before you pump. The heat will soothe any plugged ducts that you may have and get the milk flowing more freely.

(2) Use massage. Gently massage your breast from the outer part towards your nipple. This will move the milk in your ducts down to the nipple allowing for better expression.

(3) Stay hydrated and well nourished. Drink 8-12 glasses of water/clear liquids a day (any more may be counterproductive) and eat 6 small well-balanced meals a day. If your body does not have enough fluid or nutrients, your milk production will not increase. REMEMBER, YOUR BODDY NEEDS APROXIMATELY 500 EXTRA CALORIES A DAY TO PRODUCE MILK.
              *OATMEAL is known to increase milk supply. Eat at least 2 servings a day of Old Fashioned Oatmeal.

(4) Get Enough Sleep. It's hard, but you need to be well rested. If you are not rested, your body will not have enough energy to produce milk. Take naps when needed and when possible.

(5) Nurse/pump frequently. You need to nurse or pump at least 8 times a day for at least 15-20 minutes on each side in order to tell your body that it needs to produce.

(6) Try herbal solutions. Fenugreek, Mother's Milk Tea, Alfalfa and Blessed Thistle are all approved for use during breastfeeding. You can find them at GNC or health food stores.

(7) Try Zantac. My OB/GYN told me that Zantac is great for helping to build a milk supply. I tried this and it worked. I have really heartburn too, so I killed two birds with one stone.

(8) Ask your doctor for Reglan. This is a prescription drug that can be used to increase milk supply. Be careful because depression is a side effect of this medicine.